Recommended Ways To Lift 2008 StarCraft Centennial Trailer

Updated 03/29/2017 | Published 03/28/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Front/Center/Rear Hanger for Double-Eye Springs - 4-1/4" Tall - 9/16" Bolt Hole

(204)

$34.14

Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Uni-Servo - 12" - Left Hand - 5,200 lbs

(5)

$119.50

Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Uni-Servo - 12" - Right Hand - 5,200 lbs

(2)

$138.73

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2

(584)

$170.78

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Standard Duty - 4" Lift - 5 Bolt Flange - 5,200 lbs

(122)

$1257.36

Question:

Greetings, Just recently got a 2008 StarCraft Centennial 3612. Pretty decent shape minus some cleaning on the inside. Unfortunately it naturally rides pretty low to the ground. Id love to lift it 6inch or so. Noticed it has a torsion axle, that when loaded, sits at a few degrees up from the axle line. So, can you provide your opinion? Are these axles adjustable? Or is the only way Im going to get a decent lift is by ordering a new axle with a down angle? Ive read and seen videos of people welding in some spacers but Im skeptical about it because the axle will still be low. Not sure of how much lift Id get with welding in spacers vs going with a new axle. Regarding a new axle with a down angle, is there an issue with 45 degree down? Ive read mixed reviews online with most pointing to center of gravity as a concern. Thanks for your help.

asked by: JASON C

Expert Reply:

Since you have a torsion axle you can use spacer blocks to get more ground clearance. There are lift kits available if you have Dexter axles. Normally, people use 2 inch by 3 inch, or 2 inch by 4 inch steel tubing with 3/16 or 1/4 inch wall thickness. Raising the trailer will change the geometry of your trailer making it more top heavy and you may have more trailer sway.

If you have leaf springs on your trailer you can add longer hangers. You would need to cut off the old ones and have the new hangers welded in place by a professional.

You can replace the axle on the trailer and install an axle-less system with lift like part # TASR5200S03. This system eliminates the need for leaf springs and gives you a 4-inch lift. This system comes with a brake flange, and can be either bolted or welded to the trailer frame.

To go with the axle-less system brakes that will work well are part # 23-324 for the driver side and # 23-325 for the passenger side. For drums you can use part # 8-201-5UC3-EZ. These drums have a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern so new wheels and tires will be needed. I have attached a link to the tire/wheel combos we offer.

Chances are you will need a new ball mount as well. You will need one with less of a drop then what you currently have. I have attached a link to a helpful article that explains how to choose the right ball mount.